WO2008138268A1

WO2008138268A1 - Combination kettle/toaster and cordless electric kettle

Info

Publication number: WO2008138268A1
Application number: PCT/CN2008/070933
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shufen Yang; Kwanpui Law
Original assignee: Ledor Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-05-09
Filing date: 2008-05-09
Publication date: 2008-11-20
Also published as: CN201119795Y

Abstract

A combination kettle/toaster (1) comprises a toaster (30) with a main body provided with at least one cavity (36) for receiving foodstuff to be toasted, an electric kettle (2) with a water- carrying vessel, a cordless power- supplying base (32) for the kettle joined to or integrated with the toaster main body, an electrical connector (13) with first and second cooperating parts arranged respectively on the kettle (2) and the cordless power- supplying base (32), a control means (49) provided on the toaster (30) for controlling the toaster (30) and the kettle (2), and a sensor (48,54,66,68,72) for detecting the boiling of the kettle provided on the toaster main body (30) or the cordless base (32).

Description

COMBINATION KETTLE/TOASTER AND CORDLESS ELECTRIC KETTLE

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electric kettle of cordless type, and to a combination toaster/kettle.

With the increasing global prevalence of a western diet, more and more people around the world find the need for electrical appliances such as electric kettles and toasters.

Having two separate appliances, which may be required to be used at the same time, requires two power sockets for safe supply of power, and results in two separate power cords extending between appliances and power socket, taking up bench space and potentially creating a safety hazard. Moreover, the additional benchtop or worktop space taken up by two separate appliances is undesirable, as is the additional appliance cost, packaging requirements and transport costs prior to sale, and the requirement to meet recycling regulations for the appliances at the end of their lives.

It has been proposed to integrate kettles and toasters into appliances sometimes referred to as "breakfast packs" or "twin- packs". However, such integrated appliances generally constitute a structural integration only, with separate and conventional controls provided for each component of the integrated appliance.

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the present invention is directed at further integrating the components of the appliance.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a combination kettle/toaster comprising a toaster having a main body provided with at least one cavity for receiving a foodstuff to be toasted, an electric kettle having a water-carrying vessel, a cordless power-supplying base for the kettle joined to or integrated with the toaster main body, an electrical connector having first and second cooperating parts arranged respectively on the kettle and the cordless power-supplying base, control means provided on the toaster for controlling the operation of toaster and kettle, wherein a sensor for detecting boiling of the kettle is provided on the toaster main body or cordless base.

The sensor may take a variety of forms being a thermistor, or alternatively an infra-red sensor or thermocouple, or a vibration-detecting sensor.

In one version the sensor may be arranged to detect steam from the boiling kettle with the main toaster body configured to include a steam-receiving portion arranged at an upper region thereof which faces a spout of the kettle, said sensor being positioned in said steam-receiving portion.

In an alternative version the cordless base may be provided with a steam-receiving portion, the kettle being provided with an internal steam duct to direct steam from the interior of the water-carrying vessel to a steam opening which faces said steam- receiving portion in said cordless base, said sensor being provided in said steam-receiving portion.

The connector between kettle and base is preferably of a type exhibiting rotational symmetry whereby one part may pivot relative to the other and allowing interconnection over a range of angles. Where a steam-receiving portion is provided in the base this may then take the form of an annular or part-annular groove within which is disposed at least one steam sensor, and more preferably two spaced sensors.

The control means is preferably adapted to supply power to both kettle and toaster so that both can be operated simultaneously, with a power sharing arrangement.

A further aspect of the invention is directed at improvements more generally in cordless electric kettles, although which may have particular applicability in relation to combination toaster/kettles.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cordless electric kettle comprising a kettle body and cordless power-supplying base, wherein the cordless base comprises a steam-receiving portion in which is disposed a steam sensor, and wherein said kettle is provided with an internal steam duct to direct steam from the interior of the kettle body to the steam- receiving portion. The steam-receiving portion may be a recess or groove in the cordless base within which the steam sensor is disposed, which is preferably annular or part-annular, particularly if the electrical connector between kettle and base is of a type exhibiting rotational symmetry, whereby kettle and body may be connected over a range of relative angles.

The cordless kettle may be part of a combination kettle/toaster as described above, with the cordless base being joined to or integrated with the toaster main body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a combination electric kettle/toaster in accordance with a first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows the kettle/toaster combination of Figure 1 with kettle removed;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a cordless base part;

Figure 4 illustrates, part-schematically, the disposition of a boiling sensor, and the main electrical circuit components;

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement of a combination kettle/toaster; Figure 6 shows a still further alternative arrangement of combination kettle/toaster provided with a pair of toaster housings;

Figure 7 shows a still further arrangement of combination kettle/toaster;

Figure 8 shows a still further arrangement of combination kettle/toaster, employing a spout-positioned steam sensor;

Figure 9 shows a still further arrangement of a combination kettle/toaster employing a steam sensor in the cordless base;

Figure 10 shows a further alternative arrangement of combination kettle/toaster employing a thermal sensor;

Figure 11 shows a still further version of combination kettle/toaster employing a vibration sensor;

Figure 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electrical components of the combination kettle/toaster;

Figure 13 shows a cordless kettle according to a further aspect of the invention, employing a steam sensor within its cordless base;

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a cordless base employed in the kettle of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a view of the underside of the kettle removed from the cordless base; and

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical components of the cordless kettle of Figure 13.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A first aspect of the invention resides in a combination cordless kettle/toaster with a first embodiment of such an appliance illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 a combination kettle/toaster is generally indicated 1. The combination kettle/toaster 1 has a kettle 2 and a toaster part 30. The toaster part 30 is integrated with a cordless base 32 for the kettle 2, as discussed further below.

The kettle 2 comprises a body which is divided by a horizontal partition 4 into an upper water-carrying part 6, and a lower part in which is arranged a heating element 8 and other electrical control components, such as those providing dry-boil protection as is well-known to the skilled person. The heating element 8 is of an underfloor type, but it will be appreciated that other types, such as immersion type elements might equally be employed. A lower face of the kettle body is closed by a lower wall 10, a central region of which carries a male plug part 12 of an electrical connector 13, for providing mating electrical connection with a female socket connector part 14 disposed on the cordless base 32. The connector 13 is preferably of a type which allows connection over a wide range of relative dispositions. More particularly, the female socket part 14 comprises an upstanding moulded component defining a series of concentric annular recesses 16, 18, 20 as more clearly seen in Figure 14. Disposed within these recesses 16, 18, 20 are respective electrical contacts 21, 22 and 23, preferably in the form of sprung terminals the position of which is indicated schematically in Figure 13. The male plug part 12 comprises a moulded component which carries three concentric annular contact rings 26, 28, 29 for engaging within the recesses 16, 18, 20 respectively making electrical connection to the contacts 21, 22 and 23 as the male and female connector parts are engaged. The connector 13 itself allows the male and female parts to be interconnected and swivelled over a full 360° of relative disposition; however, the structure of kettle 2 and toaster housing may limit the range of relative movement as discussed below. As seen in Figures 3 and 4 the base 32 may include an upstanding locating ring 31 which engages a corresponding recess 33 in the underside of the kettle, facilitating accurate positioning of the kettle 2 on the base 32.

The toaster part 30 has an outer main housing 34 which defines a pair of elongate openings 36 for receiving bread or the like for toasting, within a conventional bread-receiving carriage. A user accessible knob 38 is provided for moving the carriage into a lower toasting position, as is conventional.

Extending from the outer main housing 34 is a platform which constitutes the cordless base 32. This is structurally integrated with the toaster main housing 34, and may be a unitarily formed therewith as a single moulded part, or may be fixedly secured thereto . As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2 in order to minimize the overall dimensions of the appliance the toaster main housing 34 is arranged directly adjacent the cordless base 32 the kettle 2, when fitted, being received adjacent a curved region 40 of the housing. In consequence the kettle cannot be fitted on the base over a full range of 360°, but there is an angular region of about 90° where the kettle handle would interfere with the curved region 40 of the main housing 34.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 employs an electronic boiling sensor 48 arranged in the curved region 40 of the toaster main housing 34 so as to be close to the outer wall of the kettle body, as best seen in Figure 4. The sensor 48 may take a variety of forms able to respond to temperature of water in the kettle. Sensors such as thermistors or thermocouples may be used, with the requirement that the sensor must touch the kettle wall. Alternatively, an infra-red sensor might be used, which need not actually contact the kettle wall but may be closely spaced therefrom.

As shown in Figure 4, the main housing 34 carries appropriate electrical or electronic controls for the kettle 2 and toaster 30 including a central controller 49 which has processing capability to control the kettle and toaster functions in response to various inputs, including sensor signals and user-activated on/off switches, and other possible user controls for example keep warm functions. These functions are activated by user- operated buttons 42, and rotary knob 44 in the case of the toaster 30 and user-operated button 46 which controls the kettle function. Visual indicators may indicate to a user the operational status of the kettle by means of individual LED's or by a display of LED or LCD type. The electronic components are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) 45. The toaster 30 is connected to a source of external electrical power such as mains power supply, via a single cable and plug 47. Disposed between the input of the mains power and the connector part 14 there is a power interrupt device 50.

On receipt of a signal from the sensor 48 indicative of a temperature indicating a boiling condition, the controller controls the power interrupt device 50 to interrupt one or more of the live or neutral electrical lines, interrupting the supply of power to the kettle element, until re-setting by a user.

As shown schematically in Figure 12, the controller 49 intercepts the power supply to both kettle 2 and toaster 30. The controller 49 may be programmed to effect a power sharing control between kettle 2 and toaster 30 so that both may be operated simultaneously, if so desired.

It may also be arranged that the circuit is configured whereby if the kettle is lifted off the base, so that no current is drawn, the controller goes through a re-set, whereby power to the connector 13 can only be resumed by the user switching the kettle back on with the main on/off switch 46. The same may apply if the dry boil switch or switches in the kettle activate.

It may also be arranged that the action of switching on boiling can start a pre-set or user-selectable keep warm cycle, can activate one or more of the LED's to indicate that boiling is complete, and that another cycle has started, or provide an audible indication such as by means of a buzzer, whistle, music or other sound.

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement of combination kettle/toaster with a kettle of greater capacity, and where the toaster has its toast-receiving openings 36 arranged in parallel besides the kettle. In all other respects the structure of this embodiment is identical to that of Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows a further alternative embodiment where a pair of toasters are disposed on opposite sides of a kettle-receiving base. One of the toasters (the right-hand side, as illustrated) indicated 34 is provided with the controls 46 for the kettle as well as controls for that toaster, including an electric sensor as desired above. The other toaster, indicated 35, may be provided with controls 43 only for that toaster.

Figure 7 shows a further alternative arrangement where the toaster has a single elongate toasting slot 36. This structure is particularly useful for toasting thicker or longer slices of bread, muffins or crumpets or may toast two slices in an in-line disposition.

Figure 8 shows an alternative arrangement where a different sensor arrangement is used, but in other respects is identical to the structure of Figures 1 to 4. Instead of using a sensor disposed adjacent the kettle body wall, the toaster housing 34 is provided with a steam sensing station 52 which includes a formation protruding from the toaster housing 34 which faces a spout of the kettle 2 when the kettle 2 is fitted on the cordless base 32. The steam sensing station 52 includes a steam sensor 54 which may take a variety of forms, such as a thermistor, infra^¬ red detector or mechanical type element such as a conventional bimetal. It may also be arranged that a visual indicator is provided such as an LED 56 which changes colour in response to a signal from the controller, following detection by sensor 54 of boiling.

A further alternative structure is illustrated in Figures 9 and 13 to 15 in which steam sensing is utilized, but where sensing occurs in the cordless base 32.

As illustrated in Figures 9 and 13 the kettle body carries an internal steam duct 58, an upper end 60 of which opens into the water-carrying part 6 at an upper region thereof. The duct 58 extends downwardly through the element-carrying partition 4 to the lower kettle body wall 10 emerging at opening 62 on the underside of the lower body wall 10.

The cordless base part 32 is provided with an annular or part- annular channel 64 for receiving steam from the steam duct 58, within which are arranged one or more steam sensors 66. It is preferably arranged that the mouth of the steam duct opening 62 makes close engagement with the steam channel 64 in the base 32, facing directly into the channel 64. It may also be arranged that the channel 64 has a slightly upstanding lip which reduces the clearance between opening 62 and channel 64 to minimize or at least controllably limit the escape of steam. The channel 64 dimension should also be selected so as to not require an overly large volume of steam for operation, which would reduce response time, nor should it be too small whereby a large surface area to volume ratio would result, which would increase condensation.

The base channel 64 is also provided with appropriate means for removing condensed water from the channel, in the form of drainage openings and appropriate internal channels (not illustrated) arranged to direct condensed water safely away from the channel 64 and externally of the base, without coming into contact with any of the electrical contacts or other electrical or electronic components.

The steam sensor or sensors 66 may take a variety of forms, such as a thermistor or thermocouple, or other kind of semiconductor device whose properties change with temperature. Alternatively, a simple bimetal-type sensing device can be used where the ingress of the steam causes the bimetal to change shape with a snap- action, acting on a user-resettable mechanism which serves to break an electrical contact pair. A variety of sensor types are found to operate effectively, with a range of switching temperatures also being effective, for example temperatures in the range 60⁰C to 85°C are found particularly effective.

As illustrated in Figure 14 the base channel 64 extends through an arc of about 270°, being absent from the portion adjacent the upstanding toaster housing 34 within which the steam duct opening 62 cannot travel owing to interference of the kettle handle with this upstanding part. However, with appropriate adaptation or design of the base, it could be arranged that the base channel extends through 360°. Although a single sensor 66 may be employed, it is preferred that two (or more) sensors are arranged within the base channel 64 spaced by a significant angular separation, thereby reducing the maximum distance between steam duct opening 62 and sensors 64 and shortening the switching response time.

Figure 10 illustrates a still further embodiment of a combination kettle/toaster. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment of Figure 1 with the difference that the sensor is a thermal sensor 68 which directly abuts the outer wall of the kettle body. The thermal sensor 68 is connected to the controller, providing a signal indicative of sensed temperature, which is utilized by the controller as an indication of boiling, the power interrupt device 50 being activated when a predetermined temperature is indicated, to interrupt power supply to the kettle until re-setting by the user. A visual indicator such as an LED 70 may be positioned on the toaster housing close to the sensor 68, also connected to the controller. It may be arranged that the LED 70 activates or changes colour when the water has boiled, providing a useful indication of boiling to the user.

Figure 11 illustrates a still further embodiment of a combination kettle/toaster. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment of Figure 1 with the difference that the sensor is a vibration-sensitive device 72 which is able to detect the vibration caused as the water starts to boil, providing a signal to the controller on boiling. On receipt of the signal indicative of boiling, the controller arranges the power interrupt device 50 to interrupt the power supplied to the kettle 2, until resetting by the user.

Claims

1. A combination kettle/toaster comprising: a toaster having a main body provided with at least one cavity for receiving a foodstuff to be toasted; an electric kettle having a water-carrying vessel; a cordless power-supplying base for the kettle joined to or integrated with the toaster main body; an electrical connector having first and second cooperating parts arranged respectively on the kettle and the cordless power-supplying base; control means provided on the toaster for controlling the operation of toaster and kettle; wherein a sensor for detecting boiling of the kettle is provided on the toaster main body or cordless base.

2. A combination kettle/toaster according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is arranged on the toaster main body adjacent the kettle.

3. A combination kettle/toaster according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the toaster main body is configured to include a steam-receiving portion arranged at an upper region thereof which faces a spout of the kettle, said sensor being positioned in said steam-receiving portion.

4. A combination kettle/toaster according to claim 1 wherein the cordless base is provided with a steam-receiving portion, said kettle being provided with an internal steam duct to direct steam from the interior of the water-carrying vessel to a steam opening which faces said steam-receiving portion in said cordless base, said sensor being provided in said steam-receiving portion.

5. A combination kettle/toaster according to any preceding claim whereby said first and second connector parts are configured with rotational symmetry to allow connection over a range of relative angles.

6. A combination kettle/toaster according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the steam-receiving portion comprises an annular or part annular steam-receiving groove within which is disposed at least one steam sensor.

7. A combination kettle/toaster according to claim 6 wherein a pair of steam sensors are provided in said groove spaced from each other.

8. A combination kettle/toaster according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor is a thermistor.

9. A combination kettle/toaster according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the sensor is an infra-red sensor.

10. A combination kettle/toaster according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the sensor is a vibration-detecting sensor which abuts a wall of the kettle to detect boiling through vibration .

11. A combination kettle/toaster according to any preceding claim comprising a single power cord.

12. A combination kettle/toaster according to any preceding claim wherein said control means is adapted to control the supply of power to both kettle and toaster so that both can be operated simultaneously.

13. A combination kettle/toaster according to any preceding claim wherein an additional toaster body is provided with said cordless kettle base disposed between said main toaster body and said additional toaster body.

14. A cordless electric kettle comprising a kettle body and cordless power-supplying base, wherein the cordless base comprises a steam-receiving portion in which is disposed a steam sensor, and wherein said kettle is provided with an internal steam duct to direct steam from the interior of the kettle body to the steam-receiving portion.

15. A cordless electric kettle according to claim 14 wherein the steam-receiving portion comprises a recess in the cordless base within which the steam sensor is disposed.

16. A cordless electric kettle according to claim 15 further comprising an electrical connector having first and second cooperating parts arranged respectively on the kettle body and cordless base and configured with rotational symmetry whereby the kettle body may be connected to the base over a range of relative angles.

17. A cordless electric kettle according to claim 16 wherein the steam-receiving portion is an annular or part-annular groove.

18. A cordless electric kettle according to claim 17 wherein at least two steam sensors are provided in the groove spaced from each other.

19. A cordless electric kettle according to any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the or each steam sensor is a thermistor.

20. A cordless electric kettle according to any one of claims 14 to 19 which forms part of a combination kettle/toaster.

21. A cordless electric kettle according to claim 20 wherein the toaster has a main body, the kettle cordless base being joined to or integrated with the toaster main body.

22. A cordless electric kettle according to claim 20 or 21 wherein the control means includes a controller disposed on the main toaster body which receives signals from the sensor, and power interrupt means also within the main toaster body which interrupts power to the cordless base on receipt of a boil-indicating signal from the sensor.